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Ken Griffey Jr.'s statement on his retirement

Ken Griffey Jr.'s statement on his retirement

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MLB.com |

I've come to a decision today to retire from Major League Baseball as an active player.
This has been on my mind recently, but it's not an easy decision to come by. I am
extremely thankful for the opportunity to have played Major League Baseball for so long
and thankful for all of the friendships I have made, while also being proud of my
accomplishments.

I'd like to thank my family for all of the sacrifices they have made all of these years for
me. I'd like to thank the Seattle Mariners organization for allowing me to finish my
playing career where it started. I look forward to a continued, meaningful relationship
with them for many years to come.

While I feel I am still able to make a contribution on the field, and nobody in the
Mariners front office has asked me to retire, I told the Mariners when I met with them
prior to the 2009 season and was invited back, that I will never allow myself to become a
distraction. I feel that without enough occasional starts to be sharper coming off the
bench, my continued presence as a player would be an unfair distraction to my
teammates, and their success as team is what the ultimate goal should be.

My hope is that my teammates can focus on baseball and win a championship for
themselves and for the great fans of Seattle, who so very much deserve one. Thanks to
all of you for welcoming me back, and thanks again to everyone over the years who has
played a part in the success of my career.